Nature-based solutions for water management: Analysis of the Andean context

Abstract

Nature-based solutions (NbS) are globally implemented to address a wide variety of water management challenges. While extensive research on NbS has been conducted in the Global North, developing countries have received less attention. There is a lack of information about the NbS that can be applied in the Andean region and their potential to address water challenges and provide ecosystem services. This article aims to bridge this gap by performing a review of the emerging literature on NbS in the context of Andean countries. A comprehensive analysis of 38 publications was conducted, with a focus on strategies for addressing water-related challenges. Our findings reveal that there has been an increase in NbS publications in the Andean region in recent years. A higher prevalence of empirical studies was observed in gray literature. In addition, we identified 26 potential NbS, including ancestral practices, to address water challenges. The main challenges that Andean countries seek to solve through these NbS are water scarcity, flood risks, and water quality. This research highlights the significance of assessing the efficiency of NbS initiatives and disseminating this knowledge to discover more opportunities for implementation in the Andean region.